Hilton Hotel, Eighth Floor, Suite 805
Ruby Smith stood in front of the door, her father's words still echoing in her ears:
"Ruby, only you can save Smith Corporation this time! Uncle Jones had great respect for your mother. If anyone can make him understand, it's you. You must convince him to sign the contract. Once Smith Corporation is stable, your brother will also be saved. As your father, I beg you..."
Ruby took a deep breath and composed herself. Her heart was swirling with uncertainty, and waves of fear flooded her mind, but for the sake of her family's future, she realized she had no other choice. She reached out to knock on the door, but before her fingers could touch it, the door creaked open slightly.
Ruby paused for a moment. Was Uncle Jones already expecting me?
Hesitating for a moment, she pushed the door gently and stepped inside.
The inside of the suite resembled nothing less than a palace. A vast living room adorned with expensive paintings and magnificent artwork on the walls, while a large, glittering chandelier filtered soft light across the space. The sofas and chairs were incredibly comfortable and modern, with every item meticulously chosen. The room had a faint, dim light that created an almost mysterious atmosphere.
In one corner of the room was a large glass table with scattered documents on it, as if an important meeting had just taken place. Fingerprints on the glass surface indicated that someone had recently been there. The walls of the room were filled with soft music, adding an oddly captivating ambiance to the space.
On the other side of the room, a window offered a view of the city, with lights twinkling in the distance. Yet, the silence and chill within the room made Ruby feel more uneasy. This was the place where she had come to face her greatest challenge, and the calm, subdued atmosphere only heightened her anxiety.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of running water and a faint groan coming from the bedroom.
"Come in!"
The voice was deep and authoritative.
Ruby's steps faltered. Something didn't feel right. But thinking of her brother's condition and the desperate state of her family, she summoned her courage and moved towards the bedroom.
"Uncle Jones? It's me, Ruby." she called out softly.
Her words were cut off as suddenly a hand grabbed her wrist and yanked her into the bathroom.
Standing before her was a stranger -tall, muscular, and exuding a dominating presence. His face was a mix of anger and pain, and his sharp gaze pierced through her like a predator eyeing its prey.
"How dare you try to drug me?" he growled in a cold, menacing voice. "Are you seeking your own death?"
Ruby's face turned pale, her voice trembling with fear. "What... What are you saying? I didn't do anything! You've got the wrong person!"
Her words were ignored. He stepped closer, his voice growing even sharper, filled with anger and disdain. "Wrong person?" Each word dripped with fury and contempt. "Then what are you doing here?"
Fear was clearly visible on Ruby's face, but so was the rising anger. Her courage was faltering, but she was doing her best to hold herself together.
Without warning, he suddenly tightened his grip on Ruby's wrist so forcefully that she winced in pain. Ruby immediately tried to break free, but his grip was unyielding. Fear flashed in her eyes, but alongside it was a spark of defiance, as if she was determined to regain control of the situation no matter what.
"Let me go!" she shouted, her voice a mixture of anger and panic, attempting to kick him, but she felt completely helpless in the face of his strength and quick reflexes.
He was quicker. He blocked her kick with his leg, and his grip only tightened. His eyes glinted with cold, merciless intensity, and his voice dropped lower, dripping with danger, as if his words carried the weight of death itself. "There's no use regretting now."
Ruby's heart filled with dread, but she wasn't ready to give up.
Before Ruby could process what was happening, he pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers forcefully.
Her eyes widened in shock and rage.
"You have no right!" she yelled, trying to push him away, but her efforts were futile.
Some time later
"Ding-dong, ding-dong!"
The sudden sound of the phone ringing jolted Ruby awake. She sat up in a panic, her breaths short and rapid as if she had just woken from a terrifying nightmare. Trembling, she turned on the bedside lamp and looked around in a daze.
Beside her lay the same man—his face sculpted like a masterpiece, flawless, but intimidating in its perfection.
Seeing him, Ruby felt a surge of anger boiling in her veins.
"How could this happen? I’ve spent my entire life guarding my dignity, and now..."
A wave of fury and humiliation washed over her, her heart pounding with a mix of disgust and fear. She grabbed the phone, intending to call the police, but before she could dial, the phone rang again.
The handsome man’s long eyelashes fluttered, and his brows furrowed in irritation. It seemed like he was about to wake up. Remembering the cruelty he had shown earlier, and fearing he might repeat his actions once he regained consciousness, Ruby quickly gathered her clothes, hastily put them on, and hurried toward the door, desperate to escape.
